Are We Safer From Bioterrorism?
Since 2001, the U.S. government has spent $48 billion to make the nation safer from a biological attack. However, some experts say we have accelerated the risk of an attack while making only modest progress in preparing for it.
A three-part series.
Biodefense Program Poses Its Own Risks
Scientists worry that the $20 billion the government has spent on biodefense research in the past seven years has made us less safe by vastly increasing the number of researchers and labs authorized to handle deadly substances. Read more...
Snafus Mar Vaccine Program
Post-9/11 efforts to develop a new anthrax vaccine were supposed to be a shining accomplishment of the governmentâs $10 billion BioShield program. Because of government snafus, the country finds itself today with an inadequate supply of the old anthrax vaccine and no certainty when â or if â a new vaccine will be available. Read more...
"Itâs Time To Retire The Fear Card"
The incoming Obama administration must weigh the likelihood and potential impact of a full range of biological threats, whether theyâre caused by terrorism, accident or natural outbreak. It must pursue safety without accelerating risk and avoid spending money on either the wrong threat or unpromising solutions. Read more...
